MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Thursday (9/24)
The 2026 MLB season is winding down in this final week before the playoffs. Thursday brings us a 12-game slate, with games running all afternoon and into the night. Let's dive into the top MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks to lock in before the games get going.
If you’re unfamiliar with NRFI bets, here’s a quick explanation: We’re simply betting that neither team will score a run in the first inning. That means we have a 0-0 score after both teams bat in the opening frame. Conversely, you can also bet on the YRFI (Yes Runs First Inning) side. Without further ado, let’s jump into today’s best MLB NRFI picks.
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Thursday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees
Starting Pitchers: Ian Seymour vs. Cam Schlittler
Let's lead off our MLB NRFI picks with the Yankees hosting the Rays in an American League East showdown. Cam Schlittler starts for New York, while Ian Seymour toes the rubber for Tampa Bay. Both pitchers should combine for a scoreless first inning.
Schlittler's Cy Young numbers speak for themselves. The Yankees right-hander brings in a 1.94 ERA and 0.91 WHIP into his final regular-season start. He also owns an elite 31.1% strikeout rate with a .182 batting average against.
The dominance also includes the first inning. Schlitter has posted a 28-4 NRFI record this season (87%), with just a .180 batting average allowed in the frame. He's also tossed a scoreless first inning in 13 out of 15 home starts ahead of tonight's outing at Yankee Stadium.
On the other side, Seymour can hold serve. The Rays left-hander has an 11-4 NRFI record across his 15 starts this season (73%). That includes a decent .232 batting average allowed in the first inning. More notably, he faces a Yankees offense ranked last in the league in first-inning batting average (.217).
Pick: NRFI (-150)
Cleveland Guardians vs. Boston Red Sox
Starting Pitchers: Daniel Espino vs. Ranger Suarez
Our second NRFI pick today features the Guardians taking on the Red Sox in another American League matchup. Daniel Espino will open for Cleveland, while Ranger Suarez starts at home for Boston. The NRFI is the play here, with a few trends and stats pointing that way.
Suarez owns a 21-6 NRFI record this season (78%), allowing just a .216 batting average in the opening frame. He's also thrown a scoreless first inning in 10 of his 12 home starts this season. Plus, the left-hander has a career 78% NRFI rate at home.
On the other side, Espino is the bigger wild card to the NRFI equation. Cleveland will use the right-hander as the opener, ahead of Joey Cantillo as the bulk pitcher. Espino has made two starts this season in an opener role, posting a 1-1 NRFI mark.
It's always risky trusting openers for the NRFI, especially on the road. However, the matchup is favorable tonight. Over the past two weeks, Boston is hitting .175 in the first inning, ranking 26th in the Majors. Additionally, the Red Sox are now locked into the second American League Wild Card spot. That could lead to some starters resting today.
Pick: NRFI (-122)